Welcome to ENGL 1301: Composition I! I hope you're ready for a great semester. To help you orientate yourself to the course and Canvas, we'll begin with introductions and common questions about this class.

First:

Need to contact your instructor? Call me in my office at 940-231-2939. Or message me via the Inbox. Or, email me at lsmart@nctc.edu. Below is a picture of myself, as well as my office which I miss terribly. I have not been able to go back to it since the Thursday before Spring Break! I thought I would share this, as I know there are probably many things you all are missing as well.

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Office

How much time should you expect to spend on this course? You should plan to spend at least 4-5 hours each week preparing for class in addition to the 3 hours of classroom time. This of course is different in an online class.

How much writing should you expect to produce in this course? Keep in mind that this is a writing course; therefore, your grade in the course will be primarily based on your writing (i.e., major writing assignments, rough drafts). You can expect to write approximately 1-2 pages each week. Sometimes, you might write a bit more; occasionally, a bit less. I also provide student models for many of the assignments. These models are merely examples of how other students successfully approached the assignment. They are not perfect, and they are not the only way to complete the assignment.

How much computer knowledge should I have? You do not need to be a computer expert for this course. However, you will need to use Microsoft Word or Google Docs--and some of the less common commands--for your assignments.

But, what if I don't know how to do something in Word or Google Docs (i.e., text wrap images or remove all formatting)? At a minimum for this course, you should understand how to navigate Canvas (which you should've gotten in your Canvas Orientation), how to find your way around word processing and presentation software like Word and PowerPoint, and how to attach a document. If you don't know how to do something (such as double-spacing the entire document or adding hanging indents), you can teach yourself. There will be times when you are uncomfortable in this course and don't know how to do something. F1 and Google will be your friend.

What kind of feedback can you expect from me in the course? Your success in this course is my ultimate goal; therefore, I will give you feedback on most of your writing assignments. Sometimes writing comments on each student's assignment can take a couple of days, so please be patient. (There are 25 of you and 1 of me.) I aim to evaluate and provide feedback on your assignments within two weeks, and I will post an announcement when all assignments are evaluated. In return, I expect you to read, reflect upon, and apply my comments to your future writing assignments. I also promise to respond to your emails promptly (within 24 hours, at the latest).

What Time are the Assignments Due? You will have weekly assignments that will be due on Monday night at 11:59 p.m.

How should we respond to each other and the instructor? You are expected to communicate with your classmates and me with civility and respect when communicating via email or in discussion postings. Posts and emails that are rude, culturally insensitive, or hostile will be deleted, and students may be reported to administration. (In other words, just be nice to each other. We're all learning here.)

Students in English need to purchase textbooks from the NCTC bookstore:

Having books on the first day of class helps students start the semester poised for
success. Below are the books that students will need for English. Students
can order with Financial Aid in January through the middle of the 2nd week
of classes. The bookstore will also ship books to students’ home addresses.
INRW 0310 + ENGL 1301: CP THEHUBDVA NCTC&ACH&THIS&V2&10:

The bundle includes an NCTC custom version of The Hub (with assignment sheets and rubrics),
This I Believe (Vols 1 and 2), Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media
Accounts, online access to Achieve. This bundle is available at any NCTC campus
bookstore and is $117 and will be used for INRW 0310, ENGL 1301, and ENGL
1302 (costing approx $40/course).

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The following book is included in the bundle and will be used in your 1302 class. It comes in the bundle, so you will not need to purchase books again for your English 1302 course.

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Next:

How do you get started? While the course might seem overwhelming at first, it is helpful to use the Modules tab on the left and proceed through the course using the "Next" button at the bottom of the page. (Be sure you read the syllabus as well - you can access this from the left hand side of your screen - click on "Syllabus")